July 4th brings celebrations with parades, cookouts and fireworks.
This year, Rural Metro Fire wants to remind Americans to stay safe this Fourth of July. They say it can "quickly become dangerous when fireworks and other pyrotechnic displays are used improperly."
In the month around July, about 280 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries. In 2017, 53% of those injuries are from burns. This is according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commision.
Rural Metro Fire is urging anyone who plans to use fireworks, not to light them yourself. They suggest going to a public firework display, where certified and licensed pyro-technicians are trained and experienced to use fireworks safely. This way, Rural Metro Fire says you can see an exciting show, without the risk of getting injured.
Firefighters also want to suggest these tips for anyone planning to go to a public firework display:
- Stay at a safe distance away from where the fireworks are being set off.
- Wear earplugs if the firework noises are uncomfortably loud.
- Obey all monitors and ushers, and respect the safety barriers established. This will give the trained pyro-technicians room to do their job safely.
- Resist temptation to get close to where fireworks are being set off. Often time, the best view of fireworks is about a quarter mile away or more.
If you find any fireworks that have not exploded, do not touch them. Immediately contact the local fire or police department.
If you have pets, leave them at home! Pets have very sensitive ears. Firework displays can be uncomfortable and scary, especially for dogs. Sometimes, your dog will run away and can end up at a shelter until you find them.
